Burdine
Blake Sr. was born January 13, 1800, in Washington Co., MD, and died August 26,
1874, in Martinsburg, Blair Co., PA, at age 74. Buried in Fairview Cemetery,
Martinsburg, Blair Co., PA. He is the son of James Blake
Sr. of Washington Co., MD, and Ann Burdine of Pennsylvania.

Mazey Ann
"Mary" Simpkins was born
February 1794 in Hagerstown, Washington Co., MD, and died April 1, 1867, in Martinsburg, Blair
Co., PA, at age 73. Buried in Fairview Cemetery, Martinsburg, Blair Co., PA. She is the daughter of William Simpkins of Baltimore Co.,
MD, and Ruth Walling of Frederick Co., MD.

Mazey Ann Blake: Born
February 3, 1825, in
Martinsburg,
Bedford (now Blair) Co., PA; Died August 24, 1870, in Eagle
Corners, Eagle Twp., Richland Co., WI (age 45). Married (1) August 11, 1844, in Pennsylvania to Henry Brenneman: Born
November 15, 1822, in Bedford Co., PA; Died November 5, 1852, in
Martinsburg, Blair Co., PA (age 29). Married (2) March 1840 in New York to
Waldron Drew: Born January 25, 1819, in Miami Co., OH; Died August 14, 1893, in
Dorchester, Saline Co., NE (age 74).

Thomas Monroe Blake: Born
August 23, 1831, in
Martinsburg,
Bedford (now Blair) Co., PA;
Died October 6, 1912, in
Town of Fontanelle,
Summerset Twp., Adair Co., IA
(age 81). Married (1) April 22, 1856, in Grant Co., WI, to Anna G. "Ann" Lamberton: Born
about 1838 in New York; Died about 1861 in Illinois, Maryland or Pennsylvania
(about age 23). Married (2) August 28, 1863, in
Carroll Co., MD, to Mary Ella Barkman: Born January 29, 1841, in Maryland; Died
October 15, 1900, in Yale, Cass Twp., Guthrie Co., IA
(age 59). Married (3) January 1, 1908, in Creston, Union Co.,
IA, to Emma Elizabeth (Mingus) Blair: Born May 17, 1841, in
Willsburg, WV; Died
May 4, 1927, in the Town of Fontanelle, Adair Co., IA (age 85).

Michael Stiffler was born November 15, 1811, in Greenfield,
Bedford Co., PA, and died April 10, 1865, in
Blair Co., PA, at age 53. Buried in Claysburg Reformed
Cemetery, Claysburg, Blair Co., PA. He
is the son of John Peter Stiffler
of Paradise Twp., York Co., PA, and Eva "Eve" Sipes of Bedford Co., PA.

Michael Stiffler and Barbara Mary/Margaret/Elizabeth Weir/Wyre
were married about 1843 in Pennsylvania.

Michael Stiffler and Barbara Mary/Margaret/Elizabeth
(Weir/Wyre) Stiffler had four children:

Barbara Mary/Margaret/Elizabeth Weir/Wyre
was born August 31, 1823, in Blair Co., PA.

The 1830 U. S. Census shows Bordyne Blake (age
30 to 40) is living in Woodbury Twp., Bedford Co., PA. Living with
him is a female (age 30 to 40). Also living there are
children: 1 male under 5, 2 males 5 to 10, and one male 10 to 15, 1 female
under 5 and 1 female 5 to 10. Also living there are a male age 60 to 70 and 1
female age 50 to 60.

The 1840 U. S. Census shows Birdine Blake (age
40 to 50) is living in North Woodbury, Bedford Co., PA. Living with
him is a female (age 40 to 50). Also living there are
children: 2 males 5 to 10, and one male 10 to 15, and 1 male 15 to 20, 2
females 5 to 10, 1 female 10 to 15, and 1 female 15 to 20. James Blake (age 70
to 80) is living next door with a female (age 50 to 60). Also in the household
are: 1 male 10 to 15; 1 female 15 to 20, and 1 female 20 to 25.

Michael Stiffler and Barbara Mary/Margaret/Elizabeth Weir/Wyre
were married about 1843 in Pennsylvania.

The territory now
included in Blair County was a part of Cumberland County from July 6, 1754, to
March 9th, 1771, when Bedford County was erected and it became a part of that.
It was included within the limits of Bedford from March 9th, 1771, to Sept.
20th, 1787, when Huntingdon County was formed and all except North Woodbury and
Greenfield townships were included in that County. It remained a part of
Huntingdon from Sept. 20th, 1787, to June 1st, 1846, when it became a separate
county, being formed from a part of Huntingdon County and the two townships of
Bedford before named.

The 1850 U. S. Census taken on August 27,
1850, shows Burdine Blake (age 50) born in Pennsylvania with real estate of
$7,000 is a Farmer living in Martinsburg Borough, Blair Co., PA. Living with
him is Maza Blake (age 50) born in Pennsylvania. Also living there are
two Blake children, both born in Pennsylvania: Wesley Blake (age 16); and Mazee Blake (age 17).

The 1850 U. S. Census taken on November 27, 1850,
shows Michael Stifler (age 36) born in Pennsylvania with real estate worth
$1,200 is a Farmer living in Juanita Twp., Blair Co., PA.

In 1855
and again in 1857, Burdine Blake of
Martinsburg, PA, was granted Land Patents in Richland Co., WI. This is most
likely Burdine Blake Jr.

Living with him is Margaret Stifler (age 27) born in Pennsylvania. Also living there is Henry Stifler (age
1) born in Pennsylvania.

William W. Stiffler was born July 30, 1858, in
East Freedom, Freedom Twp., Blair Co., PA.

The 1860 U. S. Census taken on June 2,
1860, shows Burdine Blake (age 60) born in Pennsylvania, with real estate of
$2,400 and personal estate of $2,500 is a Methodist Clergyman, and is living
in Martinsburg Borough, Blair Co., PA. Living with him is Mazey Blake
(age 62) born in Maryland.

The 1860 U. S. Census taken on June 22, 1860, shows Michl Stiffler (age 50) born in Pennsylvania with real estate of
$2,400 and personal estate of $900 is a Farmer living in Freedom Twp., Blair Co., PA.
Living with him is Eliza Stiffler (age 36) born in Pennsylvania. Also living
there are Stiffler children, all born in Pennsylvania: Henry Stiffler (age 15);
Mary Stiffler (age 7); Hetty Stiffler (age 4); and William Stiffler (age 1).

Following Mazey's death, Burdine married
Barbara Stiffler in November, 1867. It appears that Barbara Stiffler was then
the widow of Michael Stiffler, who died on April 10, 1865.
Seven
months after the death of Mazey Ann Blake in 1867, Burdine married Mrs. Barbara
Stiffler, a widow with grown children. At the time she was a Catholic but joined
the Methodist Church in 1871. By terms of his will, Burdine was to be buried by
the side of Mazey Ann in the Martinsburg cemetery.

Barbara first married Michael Stiffler
about 1844 in Blair Co., PA. After Michael Stiffler died on April 10, 1865,
Barbara was a widow with several children to care for. It appears that the
children were split up among her relatives, and that Barbara eventually married Burdine Blake
on November 3, 1867, in Martinsburg, Bedford
(now Blair) Co., PA.

The 1870 U. S. Census taken on August 1,
1870, shows Birdine Blake (age 70) born in Pennsylvania with real estate of
$2,400 and personal estate of $400 is a Minister and is living
in Martinsburg Borough, Blair Co., PA. Living with him is Barbra Blake
(age 47) born in Pennsylvania, who is Keeping House. Also living there is Hettie Stifler (age 16) born in Pennsylvania. Mary Stifler (age 18) is living
nearby in the Jacob Keagy household, along with John Brennaman (age 43).

The 1870 U. S. Census taken on June 22, 1870, shows
Henry Stifler (age 22) born in Pennsylvania with real estate of
$1,500 and personal estate of $500 is a Farmer living in Freedom Twp., Blair
Co., PA. Living with him is Lucinda Stifler (age 23) born in Pennsylvania, who
is Keeping House. Also living
there are three Stifler children, all born in Pennsylvania: Samuel Stifler (age
4); William Stifler (age 11); and Harry Stifler (age 10/12).

The 1880 U. S. Census taken on June
11, 1880, shows Henry W. Stiffler (age 38) born in Pennsylvania to
Pennsylvania-born parents is a Farmer living in Freedom Twp., Blair Co., PA.
Living with him is his wife, Lucinda Stiffler (age 33) born in Pennsylvania to
Pennsylvania-born parents, who is Keeping House, and cannot write. Also living
there are his four sons, all born in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents:
Samuel M. Stiffler (age 12); Harry M. Stiffler (age 9); John M. Stiffler (age
7); and James M. Stiffler (age 2).

The 1900 U. S. Census taken on June
13, 1900, shows Henry W. Stiffler (age 52) born March 1848 in Pennsylvania to
Pennsylvania-born parents is a Farmer owning his farm with a mortgage and is
living in Freedom Twp., Blair Co., PA. Living with him is his wife of 32 years,
Lucinda Stiffler (age 53) born August 1846 in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born
parents, with all 4 of the children born to her still alive. Also living there
is his son: John N. Stiffler (age 22) born July 1877 in Pennsylvania to
Pennsylvania-born parents and married for one year, a Farm Laborer.

The Last Will and Testament of John Stiffler of Juniata Township, Blair
County and State of Pennsylvania, I, John Stiffler, considering the
uncertainty of this mortal life and being desirous to settle my worldly
affairs and thereby be the better prepared to leave this world when it
should please God to call me hence and being of sound mind and memory do
make and publish this my Last Will and Testament in manner and form
following (that is to say) first I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife
Eve Stiffler two milk cows, two beds and bedding, one stove, one bureau, two
chest, one table and kitchen and household furniture sufficient for her
house with all her clothing and her saddle and also my clock and the
interest coming to me on the Article of Agreement between George Harker and
me during her natural life, and after the decease of me and my loving wife,
Eave one year, I give and bequeath to my daughter Catherine intermarried to
Henry Conrad one hundred and seventeen dollars and sixty-four cents, I Then
one year afterwards give and bequeath unto my daughter Elizabeth
intermarried unto Jacob Clapper one hundred and seventeen dollars and
sixty-four cents, I Then one year after the above payment give and bequeath
to my daughter Mary intermarried with William Hughes one hundred and
seventeen dollars and sixty-four cents, I Then one year after the above
payment give and bequeath unto my son Jacob Stiffler one hundred and
seventeen dollars and sixty-four cents, I Then one year after the above
payment give and bequeath unto my son Michael Stiffler one hundred and
seventeen dollars and sixty-four cents, I Then one year after the above
payment give and bequeath unto my daughter Susannah intermarried to Philip
Beight one hundred and seventeen dollars and sixty-four cents, I Then one
year after the above payment give and bequeath unto my daughter Sarah
intermarried to Jacob Burket one hundred and seventeen dollars and
sixty-four cents, I Then one year after the above payment give and bequeath
unto my daughter Barbara intermarried with Peter Miller one hundred and
seventeen dollars and sixty-four cents, I Then one year after the above
payment give and bequeath unto my daughter Margaret intermarried with Daniel
Burket one hundred and seventeen dollars and sixty-four cents, I Then one
year after the above payment give and bequeath unto my daughter Rachel
intermarried to George Harker one hundred and seventeen dollars and
sixty-four cents.

And, whereas my son John Stiffler is now
deceased and has left one son named David Stiffler now in the State of Ohio,
I therefore give and bequeath unto my said grandson David Stiffler one
hundred and seventeen dollars and sixty-four cents, his father's legacy in
my estate to be paid out of the last payment of my real property sold to
George Harker it is now by meaning and will in these my bequeaths to my
children.

As the first payment commences one year
after the decease of me and my loving wife Eve, to my oldest child and there
continues on from year to year according as they are named, which
corresponds with the article of agreement between me and George Harker whom
I sold my real property to and his payments corresponds with my bequeaths to
my children - and lastly I direct my executor shall sell all the residue of
my personal property after my decease and divide the same equal share and
share alike amongst my children. I also hereby authorise and empower
my executor and his executor or administrator to make and execute a clear
Deed of conveyance to George Harker for the Real Property I sold to him when
the same is paid up agreeable to the article of agreement between me and him
and lastly, I hereby appoint my son Michael Stiffler sole executor of this
my Last Will and Testament hereby revoking all former wills by me made.

In Witness Whereof, I have here unto set
my hand and seal this thirteenth day of December A. D. one thousand eight
hundred and fifty one.

Signed John (his mark) Stiffler

In re: WILL of John Stiffler, husband of
Eve Sipes, there is an Addendum: written on the right margin of the first
page: NOW, November 4, 1908 See the Decree of the Orphan's Court of
Blair County, dated November 2, 1908 and recorded this day in the Recorder's
Office of Blair County aforesaid in Deed Book Volume 184, Page 480,
satisfying, extinguishing, releasing and discharging the legacies in this
will bequeathed to Barbara Miller and David Stiffler respectively.

William S. Blake, a farmer of
the Township of Mt. Morris, came to Ogle County in 1869. He was born in Blair
Co., Pa., April 25, 1821. Burdine Blake, his father, was a farmer, a native of
Washington Co., Md., and was of German extraction. His ancestors, who were
farmers, came to this country prior to the period of the Revolution, and settled
in the same county which has been named as the native place of the father of Mr.
Blake. Burdine Blake learned the trade of a moulder, and was occupied in that
business in Washington Co., Md. He operated as mechanic until he married. He
formed a matrimonial alliance with Miss Mary Simpkins, Dec. 15, 1818. She was a
native of Washington Co., in the State of Maryland, and was of American
parentage. Her ancestors were Scotch. After their marriage they removed to the
part of Pennsylvania which is now included in Blair County, and where their nine
children, seven sons and two daughters, were born. One of the latter is
deceased. Mr. Blake is next to the eldest of the first family of children, his
father having married after the death of the first wife, which occurred April 1,
1867. Mrs. Barbara Stiffler became his second wife Nov. 3, 1867. She is now
deceased. She had been married, and by her first husband was the mother of
several children, but none by the second marriage. The father was a local
preacher in the interests of the Methodist Church, and lived in Blair county
until his death, which transpired Aug. 26, 1874. He was born in 1800.

Mr. Blake was educated in the
common schools, and was married in the county in which he was born, May 18,
1843. Miss Catherine Gearhart became his wife. She was born in Washington Co.,
Md., Oct. 28, 1824. Her parents, Daniel and Elizabeth (Mong) Gearhart, were both
natives of the same county, and of unmixed German descent. Her father was a
mechanic. The lives of both were passed from first to last wholly within their
native county. They were members of the German Lutheran Church. Of seven
children, of which Mr. and Mrs. Blake have been the parents, only three survive.
Laura is married to Scott Kennedy, of Mt. Morris. He is a mechanic and an Elder
in the Christian Church. Millard F. married Miss Jennie Angell, and they live at
Mt. Morris; he is a carpenter by trade and is also an Elder in the Christian
Church. Franklin is living in Iowa and is a telegraph operator.

Mr. and Mrs. Blake resided in
Pennsylvania until 1853, when they went to Washington Co., Md., and Mr. Blake
operated there as a farmer until 1869, when he removed to Ogle County. In 1870
he purchased a farm which contained 120 acres, and has since been its owner and
occupant. The dwelling occupied by the family is a fine brick structure, and the
barns on the farm are of a suitable character, and in keeping with the other
buildings on the place.

Mr. Blake is a Republican of
decided principles, and has served in several local offices, being now a School
Trustee. He and his wife are active workers in the interests of the Christian
Church, in which he is a Deacon.

William Stiffler, aged 74, who resided with his daughter, Mrs. Catherine Martz,
at Twelfth avenue and Hill street, Juniata, was found dead along the Hill street
highway in the vicinity of Tenth avenue this morning about 9 o’clock. The man’s
body was lying off the highway near a fence when discovered by R. M. Lowmather
of 218 Sixth avenue, Juniata. Mr. Stiffler left his daughter’s home about 8
o’clock this morning to go to the home of his physician, Dr. J. L. Brubaker, who
has been attending the man in recent weeks for physical disability. He had
walked but a short distance from his daughter’s home when he was fatally
stricken, presumably from a cerebral hemorrhage. Dr. Brubaker was called to the
scene and upon examination the body found life extinct. Deputy Coroner Guy S.
Kline was notified of the man’s death and also went to where the body had been
found. After learning the circumstances surrounding the man’s death, he
announced that no inquest would be held. Mr. Stiffler was born at East Freedom
on July 30, 1858, and was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Stiffler, both deceased.
He was the last member of his immediate family. His wife, Mrs. Amanda E.
Stiffler, died on Nov. 17, 1917. He is survived by the following children: Mrs.
Mary Smith of Canoe Creek, Mrs. Clara Yon of Wehnwood, Mrs. Bessie Vanaman of
Brownsville, Pa., S.R. Stiffler of Juniata gap, M. I. Stiffler of Juniata gap and
Mrs. Catherine Martz of Wehnwood. He also leaves twenty-five grandchildren and
three great-grandchildren. Mr. Stiffler spent most of his life engaged in
farming. He was a member of the Mardorf Methodist church in Juniata gap. The
body was given in charge of Funeral Directors Mauk & Yates to be prepared for
burial and will be removed to the home of the daughter, Mrs. Martz, where
funeral services, in charge of Rev. C. W. Karns will be conducted at 2 o’clock
Sunday afternoon. Interment will follow in Grandview cemetery.

History of the Ironton City Schools

The Schools from the Beginning

The first school in Ironton was taught during the
winter of 1849-50, in a house built by Berdine Blake on Front Street. The little
brick house was next to Dempsey’s flour mill. The town had only been named six
months when the school started.

Dr. J. J. Wood was the first teacher and established
his school with thirty scholars. Fees were charged by those able to pay. The
nearest school was taught by S. P. Calvin, near Kelly’s cemetery, which is now
part of the Ironton incorporation lines.

During mid-winter, a meeting of citizens was called
at the Blake home for the purpose of building a schoolhouse. John Campbell
presided, with S. R. Bush, secretary. Others in attendance were P. Murphy, D. W.
Voglesong, M. Gillen, Berdine Blake, John Haney, James Smith and perhaps others.
Resolutions to build a school were adopted.

HANGING ROCK IRON REGION

THE METHODISTS ORGANIZE

The Methodists organized a class in 1850,
the year following the founding of the Town of Ironton. This gradually developed
into the Spencer Methodist Church. In 1872 forty members withdrew from the
parent organization to join the charge known as Wesley Chapel, and in June,
1913, the Spencer and Wesley churches were united as the First Methodist
Episcopal Church of Ironton.

Rev.
John C. Maddy, junior preacher of the Hanging Rock circuit, delivered the first
sermon and conducted services for the assembled Methodists, in February, 1850,
at a residence on Fourth Street between Center and Railroad. Two weeks later
Rev. T. T. Holliday, considered the first local preacher, organized a class of
seven members at the same place; they were Ebenezer Corwin and wife, Shepard and
Sarah Gillen, Burdine and Mary Blake and Mary Murray. Shortly afterward the class
met at a brick house on Front Street below the Sheridan House and later held
services in the new schoolhouse on Fourth Street. There they continued to
worship until 1851, when old Spencer Chapel was erected.

SPENCER CHAPEL

In
the fall of 1851 subscriptions for the erection of a church had been raised
amounting to over two thousand dollars. The site was selected by John Peters and
donated by the Ohio Iron and Coal Company, and the basement of the chapel was
occupied before cold weather set in. When Rev. W.C. Hand, the first pastor of
Spencer Chapel, assumed charge he found ninety members awaiting him. The charge
assumed its name from R. O. Spencer, then the presiding elder. Besides Mr. Hand
there were Daniel Young, local elder; Thomas Murdock, local preacher, and
Burdine Blake, exhorter. In the summer of 1852 the audience room was completed
and dedicated.

THE
NEW CHURCH

Spencer Chapel was repeatedly repaired to meet the demands of a growing
congregation and was the home of an earnest body of worshipers for more than
forty-one years. The new Spencer M. E. Church, corner of Fifth and Center
streets, was dedicated May 7, 1893.

History of Greenbrier County

J.
R. Cole

Lewisburg, WV 1917

p.
341-343

WILLIAM B. BLAKE, JR.

William B. Blake, Jr., was born at Dayton, Rockingham county, Virginia, August
14, 1883. He is a grandson of the late Burdine Blake, of London, Madison county,
Ohio, who was a gunsmith by trade and who served in the Civil war in the 154th
Ohio Infantry on the Federal side. For many years following the war he was a
resident of London, Ohio, but died about eight years ago at Mountain Grove, Mo.,
at the age of 84 years. His wife was Miss Mary Ellen Murray, who bore him three
sons: James F., William B. and Daniel F.

William B. Blake, Sr., was born January 21, 1852, in London, Ohio; went to
Virginia in the early 1870s and became connected with the music publishing house
of the Ruebush-Kieffer Company, and remaining with this firm until 1889, when he
moved to Ronceverte. He married Miss Alice Mary Home, of Augusta county,
Virginia, a daughter of Strother P. and Sarah Home. (Strother P. Home was a
Confederate soldier throughout the Civil war.) To this union were born seven
children: Charles Stanley Blake, Bessie Mabel, William B,. Jr., Henry St. John,
Robert Russell, Mary Ellen and Edward Lester. At Ronceverte, Mr. Blake, Sr.,
associated himself in partnership with J. W. Hess in the publication of the
Ronceverte News, a newly-established paper in the new lumber town, buying out
the interest of Richard Burke, who had been a prominent figure in West Virginia
journalism for a number of years. Burke had been the publisher of a vigorous
newspaper at Union, Monroe county. About the year 1891, Mr. Blake bought out the
interest of Mr. Hess and became the sole proprietor of the enterprise, changing
the name of the paper to the Valley Messenger and News. This publication
continued until April 21, 1901. Several years prior to this, in December, 1897,
The West Virginia News had been established with Mr. Blake as publisher, and
from one newspaper plant two newspapers were issued until April 21, 1901, when
the latter publication, which covered a more extensive field, absorbed the
Valley Messenger. This
consolidation brought to the newer paper the good will of the older and the
growth of the West Virginia News has been steady and continuous to this day. At
the present time and for a number of years the News has enjoyed a larger
circulation than any other weekly newspaper published in the State.

The
connection of William B. Blake, Jr., with the publication business established
by his father began in early youth, he being active in its affairs from the age
of fourteen. On January 1, 1905, the joint partnership of William B. Blake & Son
was formed for the ownership, editorial and business management of the paper.
This firm continues. The News has its home in its own building, a modern
three-story brick and stone structure, virtually fire-proof, erected in 1909,
and its plant equipment is modern in every way.

On
November 16, 1909, Mr. Blake, Jr., married Miss Lena Lee Edwards. then of St.
Louis, Mo., but a native of Belton, Tex., and a daughter of Joseph F. Edwards,
of Texas. To this union came three children: William III, Norman Bradbury and
Marjorie Alice.

(4)
Burdine Blake and (5) Mazey Ann Simpkins.

Burdine Blake was born Jan.
13, 1800 in Lancaster Co. , PA and died Aug. 26, 1874 in Martinsburg, PA. Mazey
Ann Simpkins was born in February of 1794 in Washington Co., MD and died April
1, 1867 in Martinsburg, PA. They were married in Washington Co. Dec. 14, 1818 by
the Rev. Mr. Keedy of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

There are no records to tell
us of the exact place of Burdine's birth. His father, James, as a founderer went
from place to place in the course of his occupation, and no doubt went to the
furnaces in the Blue Ridge Mts. of Maryland from those in Lancaster Co. PA. It
must have been there that he met Burdine's mother, Ann, after his first wife's
death. A man with five small children would not remain long unmarried. It was
natural that Burdine would become a moulder under his father's supervision. The
Simpkins family who lived between Beaver Creek and Boonsboro were probably
neighbors.

Mazey Ann Simpkins (5) was
the seventh child in a family of ten children: seven girls and three boys. She
was six years older than Burdine at the time of their marriage and twenty four
years old. She was probably considered an "old maid", but her picture taken
years later reveals her as a gentle, sweet person, poised, and no doubt capable.
That she was sensitive about the difference in their ages is revealed by the
fact that in all Federal Census reports she gives her age the same as her
husband's, but the truth is revealed on her tombstone.

In 1820 shortly after the
birth of their first child, James, they joined the flow of settlers leaving
Maryland for Morrison's Cove in Bedford (now Blair) Co., PA. James Senior and
Junior were already at the furnaces in Huntington Co., PA. Morrison's Cove was a
broad, fertile valley in the heart of the Appalachian Mts. which were known to
the early settlers as the Endless Mountains. Burdine took up land, as did his
brothers, Simon and James, and became primarily a farmer, but it was by no means
his sole interest.

Morrison's Cove in Blair and Bedford
counties of western Pennsylvania is a long narrow valley extending from the town
of New Enterprise on the south, then northward for 35 miles to the Juniata River
at Williamsburg. The width of the valley varies from 10 to 15 miles. The valley
extends from the Tussey Mountains on the east, westward to the Dunning, Loop,
and Lock Mountains. The valley is bounded on the northwest by the Bald Eagle
Mountains. Entirely surrounded by mountains, the only openings are at Loysburg
Gap in the south, McKee Gap in the west, and Williamsburg to the north. The
towns of The Cove are Roaring Spring, Martinsburg, Wiliamsburg, and Woodbury.
Although on the other side of the mountain, Claysburg is included in this list
because of the shared culture and customs of the area.

It is probable that Burdine
was influenced in his decision to become a preacher by the Rev. Jacob Gruber who
was a dynamic and unconventional evangelist of that time and area. Ella
Snowberger writes of him in "Bygone Days in the Cove" as follows:

Rev. Burdine Blake, pioneer
farmer, at one time owned several hundred acres of land in and toward the north
and west of Martinsburg. . . Sensing the need of missionary work among the
forgemen working at the Peter Schoenberger iron banks at Rebecca Furnace,
Henrietta Ore Hill, Maria Furnace, Neff's Mill and Royer, he entered the
ministry. Daniel Bloom, a tanner, answering the call, associated himself with
Rev. Blake. The two of them, the farmer preacher and the tanner preacher,
established mission points in the school houses at these various places and
spread the gospel under the auspices of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Physically a powerful man and blessed with a stentorian voice, Burdine Blake
preached with fist and tongue. As proficient at quelling a riot as at exhorting,
the iron‑workers, hard‑boiled lot as many of them were, regarded him with
profound respect... In instances when some unruly spirit was moved to unseemly
outburst during divine service, it was nothing unusual for Burdine Blake to jump
down from the pulpit and lay corrective hands on the recalcitrant. However after
the stalwart preacher's reputation for physical prowess became, established,
disorder in and around the mission points became beautifully rare. Perhaps "Buck
and Berry", as they were known, were at their best at camp meetings in the grove
which stood formerly along the Bloomfield road south of Martinsburg between the
State Highway and the River Brethren church. . . The old exhorter left an
imprint on the religious life of this section which the exigencies of time
cannot blot out."

He was ordained an elder, and
his name appeared in the Minutes of the Central Pennsylvania Annual Conference
as such until 1870. By terms of his will his house and the lot on which it stood
became the property of the Martinsburg Church as long as it was used as a
parsonage.

In
the 1850s sons Simon, Charles and Thomas went to Wisconsin. William spent a few
years in Washington Co., MD before moving on to Ogle County, IL. Burdine, Jr.
went west then returned to Ohio before settling in West Virginia. The husbands
of Mazy Ann and Rebecca Jane moved their families to Richland Co., WI and
settled near Simon. Charles and Thomas eventually established themselves in
Iowa. James alone remained in Martinsburg.

Seven
months after the death of Mazey Ann Blake in 1867 Burdine married Mrs. Barbara
Stiffler, a widow with grown children: At the time she was a Catholic but joined
the Methodist Church in 1871. By terms of his will, Burdine was to be buried by
the side of Mazey Ann in the Martinsburg cemetery.

Was Michael Stiffler married more than once? His wife
was "Margaret" (1850), "Eliza" (1860), and/or "Barbara" (tombstone]. Also, the
death certificate of Michael's son Henry Stiffler, d. 30 July 1931, lists
Henry's mother as "Mary Wyre"._______________________________________________

Widow of Miles Lingenfelter, and residing at 1411 Eighth avenue, this
city, died at 6.30 o'clock Friday evening at St. Luke's hospital,
Philadelphia, of cerebral embolism, following an operation. She had gone
to her daughter's home in Philadelphia in November and entered the
hospital on Jan. 21 for the purpose of undergoing an operation for a
slight infirmity. To all appearance she was getting along well and
convalescent, when she was stricken with embolism and passed away within
a short time. Mrs. Lingenfelter was a daughter of Michael and Mary
Stiffler and was born in Freedom township, April 3, 1853. She was
married to Miles Lingenfelter in 1873. Her husband was engaged in
milling for many years, conducting the Brooks mill and later the mill
near McKee. In 1901, they came to Altoona and for a number of years they
conducted a boarding house on Eighth avenue. Her husband died April 16,
1916. Last fall she leased the house and went to her daughter's home in
Philadelphia. She is survived by three children, John J. of Martinsburg,
Michael Irvin of Pleasantville, N.J., and Mrs. Mazie Thompson of
Philadelphia. She is also survived by fourteen grandchildren and three
great-grandchildren; by two brothers, Henry M. Stiffler of Freedom
township and William Stiffler of this city, and one sister, Mrs. Jane
Guyer of Pittsburgh. She was a member of the Church of God throughout
her life, being affiliated with the church at Roaring Spring and later
with the First church of this city. The body was brought to this city
yesterday and taken to the N.A. Stevens mortuary on Eighth avenue, where
friends may call up to the time of the funeral, which will be public, at
2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon in the Stevens chapel; private burial will
be made in the mausoleum at Fairview cemetery.

A lifelong resident of Blair county and for many years one of the
leading millers of this section, died very suddenly at 1.30 o'clock
Sunday afternoon at his home at 1411 Eighth avenue, of heart failure,
the culmination of a long illness due to a complication of asthma and
dropsy. Mr. Lingenfelter was usually able to be about and before his
death he was assisting in serving the dinner and sitting down to the
table, he was stricken a moment later and fell to the floor, death
ensuing in a short time. Mr. Lingenfelter was the son of the late
ex-County Treasurer John G. and Catherine Lingenfelter, and was born in
Freedom township, Jan. 1, 1851. In his young manhood he was indentured
to the milling trade at the D.M. Bare mill at Roaring Spring and
subsequently worked for Mr. Bare and at Spruce Creek and Spring Meadows,
Bedford county. About 1878 he formed a partnership with H.H. Hileman and
they operated the mill at Brookes Mills for about six years, when in
association with his brother, Thad, he purchased the Soyster property at
Leamersville and they erected a large mill which they continued to
operate until December, 1901, when they sold out and moved to Altoona.

He was married to Miss Mary Stiffler on Sept. 30, 1872, by Rev. King,
pastor of the Hollidaysburg Baptist church. To this union four children
were born, three of whom survive, as follows: John J. of Martinsburg, M.
Irving, who is engaged in business in the south, but who has been at
home with his parents since the first of the present year, and Mrs. S.C.
Thompson of Philadelphia. A daughter, Myrtle, died before the family
removed to Altoona. He is also survived by four brothers, Thad and Harry
of Altoona, Mary [sic] of East Freedom and George of Johnstown, and
three sisters, Christina and Sarah Lingenfelter of East Freedom and Mrs.
Rebecca Beegle of Altoona. There are twelve grandchildren and two
great-grandchildren. He was a Republican in politics and formerly took
an active part in political affairs. He was a member of the First Church
of God, and of Portage lodge, Free and Accepted Masons at Hollidaysburg.
-----
Altoona, PA: Altoona Mirror, issue of Tuesday, 18 April 1916, p. 16,
col. 1

Funeral Notice.

The funeral of Miles E. Lingenfelter will be held on Wednesday afternoon
with services at the Stevens chapel at 2.30 o'clock, in charge of Rev.
Charles F. Reitzel, pastor of the Church of God. Interment in Fairview
cemetery. Friends and relatives are invited to attend the funeral. The
remains may be viewed at the late home, 1411 Eighth avenue, any time
before 2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon.